associate

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   any event that usually accompanies or is closely connected with another

   first was the lightning and then its thunderous associate

2. 2
   noun

   a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor

   I had to consult with my associate before continuing.

3. 3
   noun

   a person with subordinate membership in a society, institution, or commercial enterprise

   associates in the law firm bill at a lower rate than do partners

4. 4
   verb

   to make a logical or causal connection

   I associate results with the conditions of the experiment.

5. 5
   verb

   to keep company with

   You are known to associate with criminals.

6. 6
   adj

   Joined with another or others and having lower status.

   The associate editor is someone who has some experience in editing but not sufficient experience to qualify for a senior post.

7. 7
   adj

   Having partial status or privileges.

   He is an associate member of the club.

8. 8
   adj

   Connected by habit or sympathy.

   associate motions

Etymology

From Middle English associat(e) (used participially as well as adjectively up to Early Modern English), from Latin associātus, the perfect passive participle of associō (“to join, unite”), from ad- + sociō, from socius (“shared, common, kindred”) + -ō (first conjugation verb-forming suffix).